Retired Nomads - Part 3: Qeqertarsuaq – Disko Bay, Greenland

Day 11 - Aug 17 – Disko Bay / Qeqertarsuaq – City Walk

The small settlement of Qeqertarsuaq is located on the South Coast of Disko Island. In 1773 the first whaling base was founded there. Whaling has been of great importance to the town over the past two centuries. Hunting and fishing are still the primary occupations for the island’s inhabitants.

Today was an early day since our port time was from 7:00 to 11:00. Our city walk started at 8:00 so we grabbed the first Zodiac to have some time ashore before the tour.

early morning shots from the ship

Our walking tour gave us insight into the town’s ancient and modern history. Qeqertarsuaq is the only town on Disko Island (the big island) and a city that stands alone far off Greenland’s west coast and the Lyngmark Glacier that towers above the town. In the past, whaling played a major and important role. In 1773, the first whaling base was opened up in Qeqertarsuaq. Nowadays, the inhabitants live from fishing and sealing.

kids going to school

Rosa's Butik (probably just like Beall's, right Cathy?)

kayak stored under the house

We went back and got some photos of the church without so many people in them and there was a casket being delivered. We noticed later that the flags were at half-mast.

they loaded the casket into a truck

we walked up another street with the time we had left

On the Zodiac ride back, we were all rejoicing that it would be our last time to gear up and board them.

Back on the ship we had lunch which was also set earlier due to our port time. After lunch we had the mandatory disembarkation briefing and this time it was real for us.

This was followed by a port talk on Kangerlussauaq, the final stop on our cruise. It was further south which is why we needed an early departure today to make it in time. We also learned that there was no dock there so we would disembark by Zodiac. Remember the rejoicing from yesterday? So, we took what we needed for the day and the rest of the luggage would be taken straight to the airport and we wouldn’t see it again until Keflavik. We also learned that our excursion had to be shortened and now was not time for the BBQ of local Greenlandic specialties, but they would have a boxed lunch for us. First it was canceled completely and then back on and now still on but no BBQ. The ship was at the mercy of the Charter flight.

We spent some time in the Expedition Lounge, and we saw lots of seals and some whales. No great photos, but easy to see with binoculars.

one of the seals - there were many of them

Expedition Lounge

Tea Time included Bananas Foster! Yum. I had two it was so good….

the usual tea time food

We had an End of Cruise Summary by Bernd with photos from passengers. Followed by the raw video by Dietmar and Hermann. While it was well done, we didn’t see a need to buy it.

Then it was the farewell cocktail where the Captain gives his speech and brings out and thanks the officers, crew and staff. Followed by the Farewell dinner which again featured a tasty lobster.

The highlight of the evening was the Crew Talent Show which was even funnier the second time. A couple we chatted with several times and had some meals with came and sat with us right up front. It was fun watching them watch it for the first time. I didn’t want to spoil the show, but just said “just wait, it gets better”. Greg said Peter looked over at the table and put his fingers to his lips like shh don’t spoil it. At the end of the show, she got up and was dancing with the crowd. During Footloose, Jo Mark came over and held his hand out to me to get up and dance. Bad feet and all and Greg moved his chair out of the way so I could get out to dance. My legs repaid me with muscle cramps after I sat down. Greg got some photos. (not a pretty sight)